When I started my stationery and wedding businesses, I intentionally sought out educational workshops and conferences.

I knew that they held powerful insights and knowledge, not to mention the key to new networking and referral possibilities—so I signed up for as many as I could within my business budget.

That meant I went to some absolutely amazing ones as well as a few that had room for improvement. (It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about hosting a unique, intimate, and actionable experience at Inspired Retreat.)

Making the decision to invest in a premium educational experience is not an easy one.

If you’re on the fence about attending an educational workshop or conference, one of my favorite ways to narrow down the list is to reach out to past attendees to ask them about their experience and if they got enough out of the experience to be worth the investment.

Today, I’m saving you some research time by sharing real comments from past Inspired Retreat attendees about how they felt before investing in Inspired Retreat, and their thoughts on the experience.

If any of this resonates…

• You’re feeling overwhelmed or creatively uninspired.
• Your current community tastes like the bland oatmeal breakfast you’ve eaten every morning for the last three months.
• You’re running out of gas taxiing around town to soccer, ballet, swim lessons, and the grocery store. How could you possibly fit in something for your business?
• You’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel something other than “business as usual” about your business and maybe even yourself.
• You’re feeling a bit like an imposter who isn’t established enough for a “big girl” investment.

…then you’ll want to scroll down to hear from other business owners who felt the same before coming to Inspired Retreat.

1. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or creatively uninspired.

We all go through periods when we feel drained, stretched thin, and a little burnt out.

You’ll be better equipped to deal with overwhelm when you discover and implement ways to run your business more efficiently and balance your days more effectively.

I am the poster child for overworked and overwhelmed. At the retreat, I was able to let it all out, put my troubles, vulnerabilities and heart out on the table and the best part was.. everyone got me! They really got me! I left the retreat with direction, encouragement, a full heart and the best part… relationships that I will forever cherish. I am now able to grow my businesses with a purpose. — Katelyn Lakey

2. If your current community is as bland as the oatmeal you’ve eaten for breakfast every morning for 3 months.

With 12 speakers and 24 attendees, Inspired Retreat is an intimate atmosphere for learning and making amazing friends who understand what you do as a business owner.

Sharing a few days in an unintimidating setting that is filled with creative, like-minded women, was just what I needed. — Jessica Burgess

I had a wonderful time getting to know ladies in such an intimate environment where everyone felt comfortable being honest and vulnerable about their businesses and lives. — Kristyn Hogan

3. If you’re running out of gas, taxiing around town to soccer, ballet, and the grocery store.

The greatest investment you can give to your business is time, but it’s also a hot commodity!

Carving out your schedule for a few days away may seem like a big ask at first. But think of it this way: The four days at Inspired Retreat are roughly equal to setting aside an hour, every week, to intentionally work ON your business…

PLUS you get access to a group of experienced speakers who are excited to share their tools and tips to help your business succeed.

It’s worth taking time away from your business to invest in YOU as the business owner. Inspired gives you real tactical business knowledge that you can implement immediately while also providing a relaxing, almost therapeutic experience. Good for the business and good for the soul! — Jamie Kutchman

No one believes they have time to stop their busy life & work to attend a retreat but going to Inspired was such an incredible boost for myself personally and for my business! — Lisa Funk

4. If you’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel something other than “business as usual.”

Mama, I hear you. The demands of running a business and managing the household can weigh you down to the point that you don’t know if you’re pointing north or south or hanging upside-down.

Sometimes we get so stuck into a routine that we work on our To Do list but never get to strategizing or planning for the next step.

As women, and especially as mothers, we tend to push aside our own needs, too… when was the last time you sat down and did something you wanted to do for pleasure?

At Inspired Retreat, you can expect to make amazing shifts in your business and also have the opportunity to dress up and celebrate.

When I pulled up to Inspired Retreat, my wheels were spinning: I felt exhausted in my business, like I wasn’t balancing work and family well, and full of ‘all-the-ideas’ — but craved direction. Inspired Retreat was a game-changer for my business and rest for my soul. Women I’ve respected for a long time spoke into my business with one-on-one attention, and I built deep relationships with creative entrepreneurial women that feel years-longer than they are! I haven’t ever felt so equipped in my business — nor so well-rested! — Ashlyn Carter

5. If you’re feeling a bit like an imposter who isn’t established enough for a “big girl” investment.

Intimate in-person events with other business owners help you break past barriers, discover your core purpose, and boost your confidence in your business.

Your friends don’t understand all the things that go into running a profitable business and they aren’t going to give you honest, real feedback, either.

Having the opportunity to learn from someone who has traveled in your shoes (and to offer support and advice to others who are a few steps behind you) is invaluable to your growth as a business owner.

Take the leap! I was so hesitant to go. Questioning myself and my business and if I was “good enough” or “established enough” to attend. That does not matter. What matters is your desire to better yourself and your business and grow. Everyone is so welcoming and open and willing to help each other. Whether you’ve been in business one year or fifteen years, we all can learn from each other! — Rachel Bolton

Have a question about whether or not Inspired Retreat is right for you?

Email me at hello@amberhousley.com! We hope you’ll join us at our next Inspired Retreat experience.